Purple Violets by Rivers - Street - Osgood - Carrott

Jazz saxophone great Sam Rivers resides as the elder statesman for this trio date featuring vibist Bryan Carrott, appearing on selected tracks. It’s the first of a two-CD series as the musicians revel in a progressive jazz scenario that skirts the outside realm of matters. With this affair, the band executes a multihued groove, namely due to Rivers exchanges and unison runs with Carrott.

The quartet generates fluid motion as they render frothy swing vamps and bursts of deft expressionism. Rivers’ darting lines ride atop the bustling rhythms as the musicians are apt to transpose a relaxed mood into simmering climaxes. Needless to say, emotive sentiment looms mightily here. They stir the pot quite often while toning the proceedings down a bit on "Where to Go." Rivers picks up the flute on the piece titled "Moderation," which is rooted within the freer realm, featuring the musicians’ tension and release type statements. Overall, highlights are plentiful throughout this rapidly moving session.